Prairie State Wire

Lucille Bromberek, nee Hodges, aged 100, passed away on June 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents Lawrence and Jennie Lee Hodges, and her siblings Willard, Paul, Harold, Maynard, Robert, Georgie, Virginia, Betty Jane, and Annie Lou. Lucille is survived by her children Faye, Jennifer, and Larry, as well as grandchildren Beau, Cassandra, Nicole (Brian), Heather, Edward, and Cory, and great-grandchildren Jake, Eric, Zach, Tyler, John, Erica, Brianna, Samantha, Brian, Blake, Bella, Boe, and Brayah, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Moving from Ohio to Lemont at fifteen, Lucille and Ed established a successful flagstone business and raised their family in a home they built together. Together, they enjoyed hosting loved ones at their vacation home in Islesboro, Maine. Following Ed's passing, Lucille developed a passion for travel and collecting cookie jars, eventually opening the first Cookie Jar Museum in the US in 1975.

Lucille's unique story and collection garnered attention from various media outlets, leading to invitations to popular TV shows such as David Letterman and Johnny Carson, which she humbly declined. Despite her fame, she cherished her community of Lemont and the relationships she built there. Known for her wit and individuality, Lucille impacted many lives during her century-long journey.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Markiewicz Funeral Home, Lemont, IL from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:15 a.m. funeral services. The interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Estates, Lemont, IL. Lucille's long and enriched life will be remembered by all who were touched by her unique spirit.

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